- 09:37 So. I loved New Moon. You? #
- 10:22 Just gave away 10 new Caitlin Crews Presents on my blog! Did you win a copy? megancrane.livejournal.com/295863.html?v
iew=910263 # - 10:23 Also, I am having a slight Jacob hangover. #
- 13:35 Trying to revise like the wind, with wolf boys in my head... #
- 13:36 @myfriendamy I love it when people say that! :) #
- 17:49 I achieved about half of what I wanted to today. I blame New Moon and my beloved Jacob. I'm sure my editor will understand. #
- 07:35 Why yes, I am indeed going to see #New Moon at 12:30am tonight. Team Jacob! Hooray! #
- 07:38 @SusanCrandall Lazy fairies. I haven't seen them yet-- and thus have to slog through the book on my own. Heads will roll. #
- 08:41 There's still time to win my new book (won't be out until February!): megancrane.livejournal.com/295863.html #
- 08:49 @michellerowen Already in a package and waiting to be mailed, of course! #
- 18:03 I'm sure the caffeine will help, but am depending on squeals of 12 yr olds (& @lizapalmer) to keep me awake at 12:30 showing of #New Moon. #
Well, no, not really. We don't roll like that at all--we're old. I have no idea how we will stay awake; I have been sound asleep at roughly 9:30 every night this week. Oh well! We sort of accidentally saw Twilight ten (yes, ten; that is not a typo) times in the movie theater. Obviously, we have no choice but to join the masses tonight!
Sometime tomorrow, while I am groggy and sleepy and have vampires and werewolves in my head, I will be choosing a few winners in my Home Sweet Book Contest. Just head over there and tell me your current favorite romance novel, and you could win a copy of my brand new Presents: Pure Princess, Bartered Bride, that won't be on the shelves until February:
- 15:04 Apparently I am waiting for the revision fairies to appear and sort out this manuscript. Doubt my editor will be impressed with that story. #
In the meantime, let's meet Jessica and her fabulous new book:
About LOVE UNDER COVER:
In her job, she’s an expert on men…
In her own relationship, she doesn’t have a clue.
Boyfriend behaving badly? Suspect your husband of straying? Jennifer Hunter can supply the ultimate test. She runs a company which specializes in conducting fidelity inspections for those who suspect their loved ones are capable of infidelity.
An expert on men, Jennifer can usually tell if they're single, married or lying... Unfortunately, her new boyfriend, Jamie, is one of the few men that she's never been able to 'read.' Has she finally found the perfect man or is he too good to be true?
A captivating new novel from the bestselling author of The Fidelity Files.
Available November 10, wherever books are sold.
Praise:
Currently in development as a TV series by the executive producer of Crash!
"With a complicated, sympathetic protagonist, worthy stakes and a clever twist on the standard chick lit narrative, Brody will pull readers in from the first page."
– Publisher’s Weekly
"Those who enjoyed Brody's debut will be eager to catch up with Jennifer, but newcomers will be intrigued, too...an honest, witty portrayal of modern love."
- Booklist
“With her usual smart, deft, and witty prose, Brody delves deep into the psychology of a woman who tests the fidelity of strangers for a living but struggles with commitment in her own life."
-Joanne Rendell, author of Crossing Washington Square and The Professors’ Wives’ Club
Trailer:
About the Author:
Jessica Brody graduated from Smith College in Massachusetts with degrees in economics and French. In 2005, she left her job at MGM Studios in Los Angeles to become a full-time freelance writer and producer. Jessica currently lives in Los Angeles, where she is working on her next novel. Visit Jessica's website at: www.JessicaBrody.com
SOME QUESTIONS FOR JESSICA:
What is the most memorable first line you've ever read in a novel?
There’s a very powerful young adult novel called The Chosen One by Carol Lynch Williams that I read last year. It’s about a fifteen year old girl who grew up on a polygamist compound and it opens with this: “If I was going to kill the Prophet,” I say, not even keeping my voice low, “I’d do it in Africa.” I read that line and didn’t put the book down until the end. I knew from that line that it was going to be a heart pounding read. And it was.
Which 'craft' book has inspired or helped you the most throughout your writing career?
SAVE THE CAT, by Blake Snyder. It changed my life. People tell me my books read like movies. Well, that's probably because SAVE THE CAT is actually a book for screenwriting. But I've found it translates exceptionally well to novels. A well-told story is a well-told story, regardless of the medium and a fast-moving story keeps the pages turning. Blake Snyder lays out a simple (yet effective) step-by-step beat sheet of how to tell any story and I'll never write another book without it! He's very well-respected in the industry and I know many writers (screenwriters and novelists alike) that utilize his books. Plus, the book is extremely funny and entertaining to read!
If you could be a superhero, what would you superpower be?
Calorie Immunity. That would definitely be my super power. The ability to eat anything I want and be completely unaffected by the calories contained within. That would be really awesome. And I guess that would automatically make my nemesis cupcakes. Although, if this were a comic book, he would be called “Dr. Cupcake” and his side kick would be called “Sprinkles.”
What's the main thing you hope people take away from your book?
Entertainment. That’s all I seek to do. Entertain people. The reason I started writing was because of Bridget Jones’ Diary by Helen Fielding. I read that book in college whenever I would go to the gym and I remember looking down at the elliptical and thinking, “Seriously? I’ve already been exercising for thirty minutes!?” The time would FLY by. I was so inspired and awed by the fact that a book could take me away from my life like that. I knew from that day on that I wanted to be a writer so I could attempt to do the same. So if my book can help pass the time of a long flight or a boring workout then I’ve accomplished my goal. And if some of the issues about relationships and love and trust that I’ve delved into get people thinking, than that’s just icing on the cupcake.
If you could only own and read 5 books for the rest of your life, (excluding your own) what five books would you choose?
The Undomestic Goddess by Sophie Kinsella to make me laugh.
My Sister’s Keeper by Jodi Picoult to make me cry.
The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger to make me believe in fantastical love
Twilight by Stephenie Meyer to give me a hot vampire to fantasize about daily.
Bridget Jones’ Diary by Helen Fielding to remind me of why I write.
What's one piece of writing advice you've found valuable on your journey to publication?
Jump and the net will appear. Although I think this applies to any career you’re trying to get into. You have to jump in with both feet. Right into the deep end. You can’t wait for the perfect opportunity to come along, you just have to go for it. When I decided I would be a published author, I made the decision and I leapt off the cliff…without a parachute. I quit my high-paying, corporate job at a movie studio, started taking odd jobs off of Craigslist to make ends meet, downgraded my car, my apartment and my lifestyle to save money and just went for it. I never looked back. I turned down three job offers from other studios, all which paid even more than I was making when I left my previous one. I sold my first novel a year and a half after I quit. Now I write full time and this year, for the first time since I quit my corporate job in 2005, I’m making more as a writer than I was making as a “suit.” Do what you love and the money will eventually come. I’m a big believer in this. And I am living proof that it works!
What do you think readers might be surprised to know about you?
I’m a total techno junkie. I love technology and gadgets. Ipods, digital cameras, computers, Tivos, Sling Boxes…those are my weaknesses. My toys. I would die without my blackberry and my Kindle. Unlike most women, I hate shopping for clothes and shoes. To me it feels like a huge waste of time. In a perfect world, I would just wear my sweat pants and Ugg knock-offs all day, every day (okay, maybe I already do that), but set me loose in a Fry’s Electronics or a Best Buy and you probably won’t see me for a week.
Which fictional character would you most like to have dinner with?
Um, Edward Cullen, of course! Although after dinner, I’d probably ask him to stick around for a drink, a movie, coffee, and then who knows where it might lead. I’m not to be held responsible (or accountable) for fictional dinner dates with hot vampires.
Why do you write?
I once heard someone say, “Dancers dance because they have to.” I really loved that and I think it’s the same for writers. I definitely have to write. Like I have to breathe. If I don’t, I get very stir crazy. All of that energy has to come out somehow and for me, it comes out in words. Lots and lots of words. Some of them are actually worth publishing.
You can visit Jessica here or just rush out and buy the book here.
- 10:54 Win a copy of my brand new first Presents! megancrane.livejournal.com/295863.html #
- 12:36 Check out the great reviews for @lizapalmer 's next book: www.lizapalmer.com/fieldguidereviews.htm
l I've read it. They don't lie! # - 12:38 @scandalwomen *I* decided quite some time ago; THEY decided to publish me somewhat more recently. ;) #
- 12:57 Revision from latest work-for-hire has arrived and is at my elbow even now. It is not looking good for NaNo, friends. #
- 13:00 @KarenRoseBooks @lizapalmer I sure have! It's her best yet! #
Want one?
Comment here and let me know. I'll pick a few winners by the end of the week-- all you have to do is tell me your current favorite romance novel.
Hooray!
Seriously:
So pretty. I can't wait!
I have great plans to get a chunk of my NaNo writing done while I'm up there. I believe Jane Porter and I will do the whole sit in coffee shop and be working writers thing. I hear that works for a lot of people. I wouldn't know, as I prefer to lock myself away in my cave and stare at a blank wall.
But! Deadlines call!
And when I say "deadlines," I am not just referring to the NaNo deadline. My life would be inordinately better if I made that deadline, but whether I do or not, I still have a book to hand in at the end of December. So here's to a rapidly-expanding word count!
Happy Saturday!
- 07:22 Must prepare to go into Seattle's significantly more wet and cold November weather. Yikes. Am fragile flower, y'all. Already chilled. #
- 09:09 @teebenoit Wow! You're doing well! Keep it up! #
- 09:09 @JulieAnneLong I always suspected you were both a princess and pure. ;) Thanks for the RT! #
- 09:57 Why is it that the more I do, the more I have to do? #
- 09:58 @JulieAnneLong One, yes. The other, no. Guess which is which! #
- 12:23 @JulieAnneLong Yes! It is a romance novel, you know. It really ought to celebrate impurity, lustily, or it's a wallbanger, am I right? #
Jane Porter and Megan Crane, bestselling authors in category and women's fiction, will be presenting "Finding & Fueling The Story" to Seattle's Eastside RWA chapter on November 10th at 7 pm.
Workshop description: With more than 40 published novels under their belts, Megan and Jane understand what its like to know where your story is supposed to go, but struggle when the words fall flat on the page. Angst and experience have taught them that flat writing happens when you don't know the meat of the story, and the meat--the good stuff--is what the readers want. "Finding & Fueling The Story" will teach you how to access your story through zooming in on the structure of the novel, and understanding what sets your story apart. Inspired writing doesn't happen by accent. It's the result of discovering, and deliberately revealing, the truth of your story through character, conflict, motivation and emotion.
Bios:
Bellevue novelist Jane Porter is the author of twenty-five classic romances for Harlequin Presents, and six women's fiction novels for Grand Central, including the bestselling Flirting with Forty, recently made into a Lifetime movie starring Heather Locklear. The mother of three boys and a one eyed English bulldog, Jane always loves talking books and writing. Find Jane here.
Megan Crane has written four women’s fiction novels, many work-for-hire young adult novels, and two category romances (due out in 2010 under the name Caitlin Crews) since publishing her first book in 2004. She lives in Los Angeles with her artist husband and too many pets. For more info visit her here.
- 22:06 @GLITZANDBLITZ It's going all right. Are you doing it? Good luck if you are! #
- 07:58 @GLITZANDBLITZ Shows you what I know! #
- 10:19 twitpic.com/o9g97 - The Mills & Boon Modern cover of my 1st Harlequin! #
- 08:05 The website for the new RWA Women's Fiction chapter is live! Want to join us? Check it out: www.rwa-wf.com/ #
- 08:07 @dpeterfreund I never read them, if that helps. ;) #
- 11:42 According to my own rules, must let editorial suggestions (always right on and incisive) percolate for at least 1 day. #
- 12:15 @AshleyDWalsh Sad but true! #
- 12:20 LOL RT @JulieAnneLong If I remain in a sitting-and-typing position for 1 more whole day, fear I'll freeze that way forever. #
- 08:14 Happy #NaNo day! Are you all writing madly in your extra hour? #
- 08:39 This is genius. How To Write Badly Well: writebadlywell.blogspot.com/ Via Argh Ink. #
- 12:17 My favorite Muse: megancrane.livejournal.com/293285.html #
- 08:23 More Rowen-y goodness! RT @michellerowen THE DEMON IN ME **cover** plus info about the book!! Hooray!! tinyurl.com/yfvo45k #
- 09:17 Okay, seriously now. Who do I think is going to do all this work while I faff about online? The helpful manuscript elves? #
- 14:07 I am thinking of dedicating next book to tea. Because let's face it, tea is how these books get written. Glorious, caffeinated tea. #
- 14:09 I think I'll go make some more! The jitters mean IT'S WORKING! #
- 14:14 @HeidiBetts I like it hot--black, green, white, whatever. In a steady stream, all day long. (Hmm. Good point about context!) #
- 14:28 @HeidiBetts I usually switch to decaf after lunch, depending on status of manuscript and closeness of deadline. Today is v. caffeinated. #
First I got the brand new Marian Keyes book, The Brightest Star in the Sky from the UK.
I don't know how I am managing to contain myself. I love Marian Keyes. I love her so much that I cannot bear to wait for US publication of her novels; I order directly from the UK. I love her so much that is more tempting than I can tell you to ignore the things I have to do and sink into this new book right this minute... Unfortunately, no one else is going to revise and polish the manuscript in front of me and submit it, so Marian Keyes must wait.
But there was another package waiting for me yesterday. Look what arrived:
They are so pretty that I have been carrying one of them around the house, stroking it lovingly from time to time. I have never seen a book of mine in hardcover before. Well, that's not entirely true--the Russian version of English as a Second Language is in hardcover, but my pleasure in that is a touch constrained by the fact i can't read a word of Russian. These copies are library copies of my first Presents, which I believe are available in the UK in December.
It's hard for me to believe that a year ago, I had only written the first three chapters and a synopsis of this book as a proposal. I was calling it "The Italian's Proper Princess" then, and was working on a work-for-hire novel--because it is always best to have something else to do while you have a project on submission. If you don't, you'll go crazy. I didn't start working on the manuscript again until I heard from Harlequin in December about those proposal pages. I wrote the rest of the book that month and in January, more or less, submitted it in February, and everything after that happened very quickly. And now here it is, in my hands! It's certainly a whirlwind--and the fastest I've ever seen a book go from my head to the printed page.
Wow. It doesn't feel real.
But the book sure does. I'm holding it right now.
- 22:13 Have marked up manuscript. Must now input changes and polish, polish, polish. Maybe tomorrow... #
- 07:35 Finished @michellerowen 's HOT SPELL last night. What are you waiting for? Trademark Rowen quirkiness and a hot hot hot... well... spell! #
- 08:53 @michellerowen I would like to know more about that hot Jacob, please. Like, way more. Several books more, in fact. #
- 12:12 @michellerowen I don't know who DOES deserve him, but he wanted Amanda, so I guess I feel he should have her. God, he's hot. #
- 15:36 Brand new Marian Keyes novel has arrived from UK. Book due Monday. Decisions, decisions... #
- 15:48 Oh! And package #2 in the mail contains my brand new library copies of my first Presents! Wow. They're just so pretty.... and pink! #
- 16:04 twitpic.com/nfyyj - Check these out! So pretty! #
- 16:06 @Keris Oddly, this is not helpful. Perhaps I will just stroke it at first. It's so pretty... And oh, how I love me some Marian Keyes! #
- 16:07 @scandalwomen Not fast enough. I really can't allow myself to even open it until next week... (But I'm not so good with temptation.) #
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